The Mystery of Bedding Conehead: When Plant Names Lead Us Down Rabbit Holes
Every so often in the gardening world, we encounter a plant name that sends us on a wild goose chase through botanical databases, nursery catalogs, and scientific journals. Bedding conehead (Strobilanthes anisophylla isophylla) appears to be one of those mysterious plants that exists more in name than in our gardens—or perhaps anywhere at all.
The Case of the Missing Plant
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for plant enthusiasts): despite its intriguing common name bedding conehead, this particular Strobilanthes doesn’t seem to exist in any major botanical database or horticultural reference. The scientific name Strobilanthes anisophylla isophylla appears to be either a case of mistaken identity, an outdated classification, or perhaps a name that got mixed up somewhere along the way.
What We Do Know About Strobilanthes
While we can’t tell you about this specific bedding conehead, the genus Strobilanthes is definitely real and worth knowing about! This diverse group includes over 400 species of flowering plants, many of which are quite garden-worthy. These plants are typically known for:
- Colorful, often purple or blue flowers
- Attractive foliage that can range from green to deep purple
- Cone-shaped flower clusters (hence names like conehead)
- Origins primarily in tropical and subtropical Asia
So, Should You Plant It?
Well, here’s the thing—you probably can’t! Since we can’t verify that Strobilanthes anisophylla isophylla actually exists as described, it’s not available in the nursery trade. This is actually a perfect example of why it’s important to double-check plant names before falling in love with something you read about online.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of a bedding conehead and love the sound of colorful Strobilanthes for your garden, consider these verified and available options:
- Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) – Famous for its iridescent purple foliage
- Strobilanthes anisophyllus – A legitimate species with attractive flowers
- Goldfussia (Strobilanthes isophyllus) – Another real species with blue flowers
These alternatives will give you the Strobilanthes experience with plants you can actually find and grow!
The Takeaway for Gardeners
This little botanical mystery reminds us that not every plant name we encounter is reliable. Before setting your heart on a specific plant, it’s always worth:
- Cross-referencing the name in multiple sources
- Checking with reputable nurseries
- Looking for the plant in established botanical databases
- Being open to similar alternatives that are readily available
Sometimes the journey to find a mysterious plant leads us to discover even better options for our gardens. And who knows? Maybe someday the real bedding conehead will reveal itself to the gardening world. Until then, there are plenty of other beautiful Strobilanthes species ready to earn a spot in your landscape!
